Indian-origin biologist Satchin Panda resigns from California's Salk Institute amid sexual misconduct charge

Indian-origin scientist Satchin Panda, a globally recognised biologist, is set to step down from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies after more than two decades following allegations of workplace sexual misconduct.

Panda will formally leave the California-based research institute on August 13, ending a 22-year tenure, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The institute had recently placed Panda on leave while it investigated a workplace misconduct complaint filed by a female research assistant from his laboratory.

"In March of this year, a staff research assistant raised concerns about workplace misconduct through Salk's official reporting channels," the institute said in a statement.

"The Institute offered support and resources to the staff member and initiated a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation," it added.

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The woman, whose identity has not been made public, later left the institute voluntarily.

Panda denied the allegations in an email cited by the journal Science.

"I am deeply committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment for everyone in my research team and across the Institute," he said.

"These values are central to my leadership," he added.

Panda's laboratory is known for its research on circadian rhythms and intermittent fasting, also known as time-restricted eating. His work has attracted millions of dollars in research funding for the institute.

His research has focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the body's internal 24-hour clock and exploring how those findings could help prevent and reverse chronic diseases.

He is also widely recognised for his work on intermittent fasting and its potential health benefits.